It has come to our attention that certain production companies are expecting editorial staff to work additional so-called ‘Prep / Wrap’ time. This effectively extends their working day by anything up to 1 ½ hours, without any additional payment.

Prep and wrap are not customary for any post-production department, therefore you should not be working any.

The terms of the PACT / BECTU TV Drama Agreement state that any overtime worked, beyond the contracted hours, is payable at time-and-a-half or £35 per hour (whichever is greater) up to a maximum of £45 per hour.

Any attempt to issue a contract requiring post-production staff to give away 'Prep / Wrap' time is a misinterpretation of the agreement by the production company and should be reported to BECTU. This will in turn be acted upon by PACT.

It is vitally important that all post-production staff do not sign anything which requires them to give away their labour for free.

For more information, you can download the PACT / BECTU TV Drama Agreement here.

Please notify BECTU of any production companies who you believe are not complying with the terms of the agreement by emailing pevans@bectu.org.uk

Best Wishes

The Post-Production & Facilities Branch Committee